Natural v/s Man-made Fabrics

Which is Better and Why?

Over the period of time, we have evolved and there have been many inventions in the world. Today, humans have the ability to create almost everything with the help of machines and technology. These inventions have led to the emergence of man-made fabrics. They have made their way into everyone’s lives and our wardrobes mostly consist of synthetic fabrics.

Hi! Welcome to our blog. Today we will discuss the much-debated topic – Natural v/s man-made fabrics. Keep on reading to know about the different fabrics, their pros and cons, and which is the better choice.

Natural Fabrics

As the word suggests, these fabrics are derived naturally and do not have any synthetic processes involved.
So, let us talk about some of the most commonly used natural fabrics.

1. Cotton

Made from the cotton plant, the fabric is derived from plant fibers. Cotton is a soft and fluffy fabric and is organically made. It is the most common fiber and is very breathable and comfortable.

2. Silk

Silk is derived from silkworms, these insects produce silk for their cocoons. Silk fabric is famous for its shine and lavish feel. It includes a protein called fibroid and reflects light. It is one of the strongest naturally occurring fabrics.

3. Wool

Wool is a hydrophobic as well as a hydrophilic fabric. Derived from the hair of sheep, goats, and other animals, they repel water from the outside and absorb water from the inside. Mostly woollen fabric is used for making warm clothes to survive the cold weather, it is a durable and absorbent fiber.

Why Should You Choose Natural Fabrics?

The advantages of using natural fabrics are –

• Absorbent – Natural fabrics have excellent absorbency. They have an affinity for water and are extremely soft.

• Durable – They can endure heat at a high rate and are very strong. The cellulose structure of natural fibers makes them very durable.

• Environment Friendly – the natural fibers occur organically and are less harmful to the environment. The production does not require a lot of chemical usage.

Man-made Fabrics

Man-made or synthetic fibers are mass-produced and a cheaper alternative to natural fibers. It requires a full-fledged chemical process to produce them.
Here are some of the most common synthetic fibers –

• Polyester: Created from coal and petroleum, polyester is the most widely used synthetic fiber. It is a low-maintenance fabric and dries out quickly due to its low absorbent character.

• Acrylic: Acrylic has heat retention properties and is often termed cheaper wool. Wet spun and dry spun are the two types of acrylic fibers. It is an easy-care fabric and does not fade easily.

• Rayon: Made from wood pulp, rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber. It can imitate many fabrics such as wool and silk. Modal and viscose are examples of rayon fabric.

Why Should You Opt for Man-Made Fabrics?

Synthetic fibers have the following advantages 

• Pocket-friendly –  Synthetic fibers are produced on a large scale which makes them a much cheaper alternative. Pure natural fabrics are very expensive and are not affordable for everyday purposes.

• Easy to Manage – These are water-resistant and they do not distort when washed. Man-made fibers dry easily and are not prone to staining. Their structure can be easily modified.

• Elasticity – Man-made fibers easily blend with other fibers and are very elastic. This makes them a suitable choice for active wear.

Man-made or Natural - Which Is A Better Choice?

Now that we have discussed both the fibers in detail, synthetic fiber is a much cheaper alternative and preferred for daily use. But keeping in mind the environmental effects of man-made fibers, natural fibers are the future. Lately, cheaper and sustainable fabrics are emerging. We need to make a conscious choice to use man-made and natural fabrics in a way that they don’t dig a hole in our pockets and also maintain a low environmental impact for our future generations.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Drop a comment below and let us know.
And if you want to buy natural and synthetic fabrics for home furnishing, daily use, or any occasion, we have a wide variety of fabrics in every color possible. You name it and we have it! Check out our online store at www.tradeuno.com and choose the best fabrics for you.
Till the next blog, bye!